Aston Martin F1 Boss ‘Flattered’ by Max Verstappen Speculations
Since Andy Cowell took charge as Aston Martin’s team principal and CEO earlier this year, the British outfit has been undergoing a major transformation aimed at pushing it closer to the front of the Formula 1 grid. Among the team’s most significant moves was the signing of legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey, who joined after his high-profile departure from Red Bull.
Newey’s arrival immediately raised eyebrows throughout the paddock. Combined with Red Bull’s recent dip in form at the start of the 2025 season, whispers began to circulate suggesting that Max Verstappen — Red Bull’s star driver and reigning world champion — might be tempted by a future move to Aston Martin.
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso previously described the link between Verstappen and Aston Martin as “flattering.” Now, Andy Cowell has echoed the same sentiment, admitting that such attention from one of the sport’s biggest names is a compliment to the team’s growing reputation.
“Max showing media interest — I don’t really know what the correct phrase is — but that sort of attention is flattering,” Cowell said. “He can see that we’re a team that’s motivated, determined, and taking all the right steps forward.”
Although Verstappen remains tied to Red Bull through a long-term contract that runs until the end of 2028, rumors about a potential switch haven’t gone away. Much of the speculation stems from the upcoming 2026 regulation changes, which will usher in a new era of F1 car design. With Adrian Newey now part of Aston Martin’s technical brain trust, many believe that the team could produce a car capable of challenging Red Bull — and possibly attracting Verstappen in the process.
However, Cowell was keen to downplay the speculation and reaffirm his confidence in the current Aston Martin driver lineup. Both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are contracted to remain with the team until at least the end of the 2026 season. Cowell emphasized that their experience and leadership will be vital as the team navigates the transition to the new regulations.
“We’re really fortunate to have Lance and Fernando,” Cowell explained. “They’ve both got a huge amount of experience and will continue with us until at least the end of 2026. That stability means we can have open and honest conversations with them about next year and the years beyond.”
While flattered by Verstappen’s supposed interest, Cowell made it clear that Aston Martin’s main focus is not on chasing specific drivers, but on creating a car that every top driver would dream of racing. “When I talk with Adrian and the engineering team, our mission is simple — we want to build a really fast race car,” Cowell said. “If we do that, then every driver with a Super Licence should want to drive for us.”
This vision aligns with Aston Martin’s broader strategy. Under the ownership of Lawrence Stroll, the team has invested heavily in infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art factory at Silverstone and the recruitment of high-calibre technical talent. Cowell and Newey are seen as central to transforming the team from a strong midfield contender into a genuine championship threat.
Still, the rumors connecting Verstappen to Aston Martin were fueled not only by Newey’s move but also by Red Bull’s struggles in recent races. With the Milton Keynes outfit showing signs of instability and facing internal tension following Christian Horner’s exit earlier in the year, speculation about Verstappen’s long-term future intensified. At one point, both Aston Martin and Mercedes were rumored destinations.
Verstappen, however, shut down the speculation at the Hungarian Grand Prix, reaffirming his loyalty to Red Bull and insisting that he intends to see out his current contract. Yet, the unpredictability of F1 means few in the paddock are willing to completely rule out a future switch — especially if Aston Martin’s 2026 car proves competitive.
Cowell, for his part, remains pragmatic. He acknowledges the admiration but insists the team must earn its reputation on track rather than rely on hype. “We’re not chasing headlines,” he said with a laugh when asked about the Verstappen talk. “It’s always nice when the biggest names in the sport are mentioned alongside Aston Martin, but our focus is on performance. The results will speak for themselves.”
He even joked about Toto Wolff’s past remark that every team boss would “do a handstand” to sign Verstappen. “I’m not very good at handstands — even in a swimming pool,” Cowell quipped, lightening the mood.
Behind the humor, though, lies a serious ambition. With Newey leading the technical vision and Cowell guiding operations, Aston Martin believes it is building a foundation that could make it one of the most desirable destinations in Formula 1. The ultimate goal, Cowell reiterated, is to construct a car so competitive that it naturally attracts the sport’s elite — Verstappen included.
As the countdown to F1’s 2026 regulation overhaul continues, Aston Martin’s progress will be closely watched. Whether Verstappen ever dons the green overalls remains to be seen, but the fact that such a move is even being discussed is, as Cowell says, “a sign of how far this team has come.”
